Make Oil Infusions
Making an oil infusion is simply pouring boiling water over herbs to extract the essential oils. This can work for leaves and flowers. The infusions can be used for massage, creams, ointments or aromatherapy purposes. Some medicinal herbs are volatile, and it is safer to make a cold oil infusion rather than a hot oil infusion with them.
Instructions
Making Hot Oil Infusion
1. Place either nine ounces of dried or 1-1/4 pound fresh of your chosen herbs and 2 cups of a light oil, such as sunflower, safflower or sweet almond, in a glass bowl, and place it over a saucepan with simmering water. Heat for about two hours.
2. Pour through cheesecloth into a clean, glass container.
3. Squeeze the oil through the bag. The bag will be hot, so wear gloves.
4. Pour oil into clean, dark, glass bottles.
5. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to three months.
Making Cold Oil Infusion
6. Pack your herbs in a large, glass jar and cover with oil. Use nine ounces of dried herbs or 1-1/4 pound of fresh herbs and 2 cups pure vegetable oil, such as sunflower, safflower or sweet almond oil.
7. Seal the jar and leave it in a warm, sunny place for two weeks.
8. Pour into a clean, glass jar, straining through cheese cloth.
9. Squeeze as much oil through the bag, and pour into clean, dark, glass bottles.
10. Seal the bottles and store in the refrigerator for up to three months.
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